0First, I must challenge everyone to name a family that is not created by a woman. It is an arrogant comment in some respects, but the facts of Nature cannot be denied. No child can be created without the assistance of a woman, and admittedly, the woman endures the pain in the process. That means that any man seeking the presidency on a platform of family values should not act against women, right?
The Bush administration has backed down from supporting the Cairo Conference on Population, stating that the President will not support a program that promotes abortion. True, the UN program does include abortion issues in its initiative, but only by requiring safe abortions, and a non-criminal status for women who choose abortion. The main goals of the Cairo program are to minimize the spread of HIV (a public health issue), and discrimination against women.
Claiming that promoting abstinence and fidelity are sufficient to prevent the spread of AIDS and increased numbers of unwanted children, Bush advocates have stood firmly against portions of the UN initiative that was created in part to aid in solving world over-population issues. The Vatican, a well-established opponent to many forms of family planning, at least can state that its views are fully based on the wishes of its constituents, since the binding force of the Vatican is its beliefs. Bush is a representative of the American people, a group with anything but homogenous beliefs and values. Beyond the obvious issue of Bush pushing his personal agenda onto the world stage, there is an ominous lack of responsibility in taking this stance.
The Cairo program is meant to assist people in developing nations in obtaining education about family planning and public health as related to sexual activity. It is irresponsible for any world leader to stand against any proposal that promotes the health and safety of any citizen of this world. By splitting hairs over the small issue of abortion, Bush has also denied support to a program that promotes equality for women. Abortion is a small issue in this program because of all of the atrocities, such as female genitalia mutilation, infanticide of female children, disenfranchisement of women, and discrimination, this program seeks to end worldwide.
It was stated by the Zogby Organization that Kerry was supported 2 to 1 by single women in the upcoming election.* Given just this little tidbit of information about the Bush agenda, it is easy to understand why. Kerry, if elected, will undoubtedly pick up where Clinton left off with the Cairo program, and offer unconditional support of this initiative, as well as secure the reproductive rights of women in the U.S. This is of particular importance, since there is little doubt that two vacancies on the Supreme Court will need to be filled during the next presidential term. Roe v. Wade is in jeopardy if Bush would be making Supreme Court appointments.
The question one has to ask is, if Bush is unwilling to stand up for the rights of women worldwide, what does he honestly think about women in the U.S.? As Former European Union Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek stated, "Would it be different if they were men?"** I think Bush already answered that question. On Election Day, all women of the U.S. should thank him accordingly.
* http://www.zogby.com/search/ReadNews.dbm?ID=872 Russell Sage/Zogby Poll of Women Voters.
** http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4552500,00.html Guardian Unlimited, U.S. Tells UN It Backs Population Agenda
Factzone: The truth about Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Il, the leader of the free world, has decided to move on to more fertile grounds, leaving with us just the memories of 8-color rainbows, singing Korean women and couple of nuclear weapons. But who was this man whose next ambition would have been to get the next Nobel Peace prize? Here are just a few facts you should know about.
World governments charged with criminal negligence (in response to Megaupload case) EARTH (thecheers.org) - Federal authorities of the universe have charged the governments of all the countries in the world as well as the operators actually in power in these countries with operating a criminal enterprise, the Galaxy warriors announced Today.
Brenda says on 2004-10-29 10:41:00 about Famiy Values
Good point, Andy, but unfortunately I don't even think those who support Bush support him for his policites (or lack thereor) but rather it's like a sports event to them -- vote for who you think is going to WIN not for who you think is the BEST for the job.
Andy says on 2004-10-28 01:51:22 about Nice Work
A most excellent column, Liz! A lot of stuff to think about here. Let's hope some people actually do think about things like this before voting.
Brenda says on 2004-10-27 12:53:31 about Bush and Family Values
Elizabeth, you've hit alot of my complaints about Bush here -- someone even commented to me on one of my articles that he is against equal pay for equal work -- guess he thinks women should be barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen! Washn't for me when my kids were growing up, and I've taught them all to be self sufficient and not get in the habit of depending on a man for financial security.
DSE is the world's largest international trade show and conference dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology and digital out-of-home networks and it will be taking place from March 6 to March 9, 2012.
Argonaut Genre:Alternative The band are led by Core Members, Lorna (Vocals & Synths) an...
The Kut Genre:Alternative As three female musicians on the London circuit, questions l...
The Exits Genre:Electronic Genre: Electro / Indie / Rock
Location Portsmouth, South, U...
Trip Effect Genre:Rock A power trio that mashes up alternative/indie/rock with warm...
Jim Scordilis Genre:Rock jimscordilis@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/jimscordil...
Valadis Gaoutsis Genre:Rock Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Valantis-G...
